[Kraetos]

So, I've always had this dreadfully lethargic metabolism. All my life it's always seems like I was hungrier than everyone else around me, but didn't have as much energy. It's become even more of a problem now after freshman year of college has passed and all that crappy beer went right to my belly.

I've recently been trying to eat better and exercise more frequently, but I still find that I am always lacking energy.

I'm not looking for a miracle weight loss pill or anything like that, just a natural way to give my metabolism a little boost to help me exercise better, have more energy, and not be constantly hungry. Anyone have experience with this? Any ideas?

Thanks a bunch, all.

[julesstoop]

A question:
How does your metabolism respond to glucose as a kick-start?

[alcimedes]

Eat raw vegetables. Plain, no dip. Just snack on veggies any time you're hungry.

(corn and potatoes don't count.)

[Windowsrookie]

Right when you wake up, take a 10 minute run. It will jump start your metabolism.

[Banana]

Apple is much more effective at waking up than a cup of coffee and won't build up tolerance.

The fruit, not the computer.

[Wrao]

Eat (real food) more frequently, as in, every 2 or 3 hours you should be eating, and every time you eat you should try to have a piece of fruit or a grip of veggies. That is the most basic step, it puts your metabolism more in your direct control, more advanced is getting into the effects different foods have on your system, that can become very complicated, but a good rule of thumb is that the closer a food is to its natural state, the better your body will be able to process it.

[billybobsky]

Instead of just trying to work out more often, actually do it. It is a down hill slope during most of your twenties and it only accelerates from there; make use of your muscles now before you regret it later.

What are you eating?

Try to balance your meals, and like wrao said space them throughout the day.

[RDJeeper]

Originally Posted by Wrao Eat (real food) more frequently, as in, every 2 or 3 hours you should be eating, and every time you eat you should try to have a piece of fruit or a grip of veggies. That is the most basic step, it puts your metabolism more in your direct control, more advanced is getting into the effects different foods have on your system, that can become very complicated, but a good rule of thumb is that the closer a food is to its natural state, the better your body will be able to process it.

+1

I have a slow metabolism, and have choosen to take a natural route over trying to treat it medically. I take a thyroid supplement to help with it, but alot of it is just how I was eating. Have a ton of small snacks accross the day, and be careful of how you're using carbs, they should be spread out accross the day to help with energy, but too much will slow you down.

EDIT: Be careful with fruit, too much can be a bad thing, and it should be eaten with a fat (handful of nuts or seeds).

[jcoley2]

Sex . . . and lot's of it. Ideally with mutiple women (best at the same time.)

[Dave]

Vitamin B and something else (Niacin?) are what your body needs to metabolize stuff, I think. Make sure you're getting plenty of those things.

[AWR]

Originally Posted by Banana Apple is much more effective at waking up than a cup of coffee and won't build up tolerance. The fruit, not the computer.

What's the point of living if you swap your morning coffee for an Apple?

K, you're young enough that your body is doing weird hormonal things. I remember being tired all the time too. Don't fight it too much. Get yer exercise, eat right, spend less time in front of the computer/TV, increase frequency of sexual activity, get a bunch of natural light, and enough sleep. Eat an apple, fine, but don't give up a morning cup of coffee, whateve Banana says!

[Mugge]

Sleep depravation, coffee and cross country running.

[Wrao]

Originally Posted by Dave Vitamin B and something else (Niacin?) are what your body needs to metabolize stuff, I think. Make sure you're getting plenty of those things.

Niacin is a B vitamin. There are 8 of them. Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin(B2), Niacin(B3), Pantothenic Acid(B5), Pyridoxine(B6), Bioton(B7), Folic Acid(B9), and good ol' B12, which I can't remember its other name.

[Wrao]

Originally Posted by RDJeeper +1 I have a slow metabolism, and have choosen to take a natural route over trying to treat it medically. I take a thyroid supplement to help with it, but alot of it is just how I was eating. Have a ton of small snacks accross the day, and be careful of how you're using carbs, they should be spread out accross the day to help with energy, but too much will slow you down. EDIT: Be careful with fruit, too much can be a bad thing, and it should be eaten with a fat (handful of nuts or seeds).

The whole "I have a slow" or "I have a fast" metabolism is kind of horseshit. People don't realize how much these things are actually in their control if they just... eat better and/or move around a little bit. Yes, there are differences on a person to person basis, but the thing is, in America at least, most people have such horrendous diets, sleep habits, and physical activity, that it appears as though a problem like slow metabolism is infinitely more widespread than it actually is, because no one is even close to having their shit more well regulated.

Too much fruit is never really a bad thing, but, the idea comes with the idea of not eating carbs all day long. I wouldn't likely have a piece of fruit right before I went to bed, all the fructose would probably keep me up, but by and large, there is nothing wrong with eating fruit all day, our bodies can metabolism fruits very well.

There is some science that suggests you want to try and avoid lumping too many carbs with too many fats actually. Fat is the primary source of energy in the body, but carbs also provide energy, usually on a more short-term basis. The idea is that, if you load up on both fats and carbs at the same time, your body is more likely to use one for energy and convert the other into actual fat on your body(which, in abundance will slow your system down)

I am not fully sold on the idea, but it is something I have read about a bit.

Another thing to consider is the 'active' properties of protein in the diet. Protein tends to require a lot more work to break down and use than carbs and fats, it also supports muscle(Active tissue) It is a good policy to try and get more protein than you are currently getting, which is not to say you have to go all bodybuilder 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, but chances are you can probably benefit from getting some more in your diet, especially in the morning and at night.

[faust]

Originally Posted by Wrao The whole "I have a slow" or "I have a fast" metabolism is kind of horseshit. People don't realize how much these things are actually in their control if they just... eat better and/or move around a little bit. Yes, there are differences on a person to person basis, but the thing is, in America at least, most people have such horrendous diets, sleep habits, and physical activity, that it appears as though a problem like slow metabolism is infinitely more widespread than it actually is, because no one is even close to having their shit more well regulated. Too much fruit is never really a bad thing, but, the idea comes with the idea of not eating carbs all day long. I wouldn't likely have a piece of fruit right before I went to bed, all the fructose would probably keep me up, but by and large, there is nothing wrong with eating fruit all day, our bodies can metabolism fruits very well. There is some science that suggests you want to try and avoid lumping too many carbs with too many fats actually. Fat is the primary source of energy in the body, but carbs also provide energy, usually on a more short-term basis. The idea is that, if you load up on both fats and carbs at the same time, your body is more likely to use one for energy and convert the other into actual fat on your body(which, in abundance will slow your system down) I am not fully sold on the idea, but it is something I have read about a bit. Another thing to consider is the 'active' properties of protein in the diet. Protein tends to require a lot more work to break down and use than carbs and fats, it also supports muscle(Active tissue) It is a good policy to try and get more protein than you are currently getting, which is not to say you have to go all bodybuilder 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, but chances are you can probably benefit from getting some more in your diet, especially in the morning and at night.

Disagree; soon I will be scheduling radiation treatments to kill off most my thyroid before chancing a thyroid storm kills me.

Changing eating or exercising patterns will not prevent thyroid storm nor fix my very hyper thyroid.

Not enough people understand how important their thyroid is to their overall health.

[Wrao]

Originally Posted by faust Disagree; soon I will be scheduling radiation treatments to kill off most my thyroid before chancing a thyroid storm kills me. Changing eating or exercising patterns will not prevent thyroid storm nor fix my very hyper thyroid. Not enough people understand how important their thyroid is to their overall health.

Of course, but I would be willing to bet that your situation was at one point in time completely preventable. Otherwise, it was genetic, in which case you are in a minority. I never intended to say that diet/lifestyle are the be-all and end-all of that elusive 'good health', but that most people have awful habits and they don't even know it, they are plagued by chronic ailments, discomforts and other issues, and they quickly assume that something is wrong with them genetically, without realizing that they have awful sleep patterns, or eating patterns, or that they are completely sedentary, and that, more likely than not, their lifestyle is the 'issue'.

[alcimedes]

The point is, of that 60% who are overweight, maybe 5% have a valid medical reason. The rest don't.

[faust]

Originally Posted by Wrao Of course, but I would be willing to bet that your situation was at one point in time completely preventable. Otherwise, it was genetic, in which case you are in a minority. I never intended to say that diet/lifestyle are the be-all and end-all of that elusive 'good health', but that most people have awful habits and they don't even know it, they are plagued by chronic ailments, discomforts and other issues, and they quickly assume that something is wrong with them genetically, without realizing that they have awful sleep patterns, or eating patterns, or that they are completely sedentary, and that, more likely than not, their lifestyle is the 'issue'.

What would make you think this was at some point preventable?
Are you a doctor?

[Kraetos]

Thanks everyone, I knew we had a couple health nuts

Sounds like vitamin B, fruits and vegetables are the way to go, yes?

[BenP]

Originally Posted by faust What would make you think this was at some point preventable? Are you a doctor?

Did you read the next sentence in his post?

Otherwise, it was genetic

AFAIK, those are the only two options.

[Partial]

The two best ways to do this are by:

A. Controlling your blood-sugar. Accomplish this by eating several smaller, healthier meals.

B. Resistance training. Running and doing hard cardio burn through your blood sugar instead of your fat(since your heart rate gets too high unless you're an experienced runner) and that throws your glucose out of whack for the time being and leaves you feeling hungry followed by a lethargic feeling. Tearing muscle fibers will give you a ton of energy and give you a big time natural metabolic boost as well as give you additional testosterone. Do big, compound movements (squat, deadlift, pullup, bench press, military press, rows) for the bread and butter of your workout.

[Zodiac]

In the winter my window in the car always frosts up a lot faster then everyone else's, I was told it's because I have a fast metabolism. For the most it runs in my family though. You're gonna have to go get some new genetics, I'm pretty sure the dollar store has a good set on sale.

But really man, eat healthier foods more frequently and start running or something. Anything to get the heart going.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Wrao Niacin is a B vitamin. There are 8 of them. Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin(B2), Niacin(B3), Pantothenic Acid(B5), Pyridoxine(B6), Bioton(B7), Folic Acid(B9), and good ol' B12, which I can't remember its other name.

So I was right and I didn't even know it? Damn I'm good

[ironlung]

Originally Posted by Wrao Another thing to consider is the 'active' properties of protein in the diet. Protein tends to require a lot more work to break down and use than carbs and fats, it also supports muscle(Active tissue) It is a good policy to try and get more protein than you are currently getting, which is not to say you have to go all bodybuilder 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, but chances are you can probably benefit from getting some more in your diet, especially in the morning and at night.

30% of your bodys energy comes from fat. Carbs are the primary energy source. Proteins are far easier to break down than fats are. If you have a source that says otherwise I would like to read it. Anyway for the OP a balanced diet will do wonders for you. Are you getting enough iron? Spinach is a great source of iron. Try taking a multi-vitamin like centrum and you will probably not feel as hungry anymore. Our body requires a wide range of 'factors' that are much easier to take as vitamins. New research suggests that vitamins are not as useful as once thought but you can not just go by one report when so many reports say otherwise. People make the mistake of not eating healthy with vitamins... which you should still do.

Fruits are excellent but are composed of simple sugars. Simple sugars are very easy to metabolize but too much of them are not good for you. There are a lot of different ideas of how and what is good for you but always trust a biochemist who has studied nutrition, rather than a nutritionist with a course in biochemistry. I am sure billybobsky (another biochemist) will agree.

Edit: I should add that eating fat is absolutely necessary. Too many people obsess not eating any fat at all. PLEASE do. As a very rough estimate, a 5'9 person who is mildly active requires around 40g of fat a day. There are quite a few websites that can help you figure this out.

I am stuck in Iceland for another 2 hours (8 hr layover) but at least they have free internet!

[Ebby]

Originally Posted by Wrao Thiamine(B1)

DIE! DIE!

*Kicks Thiamine in the B1 nuts*

YOU are a plague to my health! Die the scientifically produced death you yourself were born from!

(Can you tell I am allergic to Thiamine Mononitrate and it is used as a food additive EVERY-freak'in-WHERE! And just to artificially inflate the nutrition values.)

[Wrao]

Originally Posted by ironlung 30% of your bodys energy comes from fat. Carbs are the primary energy source. Proteins are far easier to break down than fats are. If you have a source that says otherwise I would like to read it. Anyway for the OP a balanced diet will do wonders for you. Are you getting enough iron? Spinach is a great source of iron. Try taking a multi-vitamin like centrum and you will probably not feel as hungry anymore. Our body requires a wide range of 'factors' that are much easier to take as vitamins. New research suggests that vitamins are not as useful as once thought but you can not just go by one report when so many reports say otherwise. People make the mistake of not eating healthy with vitamins... which you should still do. !

I have heard different numbers about 30% of energy coming from fat, regardless, our bodies are real good at making things work, if you don't have enough carbs in your diet, fats will take up more than 30% of your energy needs, if you don't have anything in your diet, you'll break down muscle to get fuel...etc. I concede I was being a bit bullish with my claim about fats and carbs, it's just, as I understand it, fats are the primary energy source in the regard that they are used for long-term energy, storage and reserves. Carbs provide us with our day to day energy, but fats keep things running. You can live without carbs, you can't live without fats sort of thing.

As for proteins, again, I was referring to the active use in muscle maintenance and repair, in which case, it is more taxing on the system than depositing fat is. The clarification/astericks would be, assuming resistance training(which, as discussed earlier is a good way to improve your metabolism).

That being said, I am neither biochemist or nutritionist, just a hobbyist that has been trying to learn about this stuff for the past couple years. So I am by no means the authority on anything, I just parrot what I've read and what I've experienced.

[cosus]

I've replaced food with coffee and cigarettes. Works well for me.

[joveblue]

^^ not recommended ^^

[Eugene]

Originally Posted by joveblue ^^ not recommended ^^

I guess that depends on whether you think ingesting caffeine is natural. In itself it is a pretty effective way to boost your energy expenditure.

[murbot]

Way back in the day when I was a health nut (last year) I made my greatest strides in fitness and fat loss when I was seemingly eating the most.

Eating 6 times a day, always eating some protein with each meal, lots of veggies and fruit. I felt like I was overeating like crazy. Totally went against my usual routine of not eating until lunch, then not again until supper. I actually couldn't believe I was losing weight while stuffing my face with so much food.

One of these days I should do that again.